At 33 weeks, I’ve kind of reached this point in my pregnancy where I don’t really feel like talking about it. Not because it sucks. Oh no, quite the opposite. You see, *most* women don’t really want to hear from one who never had any morning sickness. Never had to nap after a day of work instead of hitting the gym. Never found herself eating nothing but carbs. And in the third trimester, is still moving around quite comfortably. Doing deadlifts and chinups, even (with a band, obviously. If my pregnancy sucked, I think I’d be a lot more comfortable sharing about it.

Whether it’s good luck, good genes, or good healthy habits, I don’t know, but I feel thankful every day to be feeling well and getting closer to meeting this baby.

But just so you know it isn’t all rainbows and puppies (though my doggy does enjoy spending an exorbitant amount of time in my lap) I did have at least one aversion. Something I was so hooked on eating for lunch just about every day for like 7 months prior was suddenly something I wanted nothing to do with. And that would be salads. Specifically, salads with beets. Fortunately, salad became appealing again in the second trimester, but beets were still a no-go. My poor husband was wondering, “who is this chic?” but probably secretly happy that he wasn’t spending an hour every week helping me prep my salad veggies. (Yes, he used to do that for me. He’s a keeper.)

As of last week, not only can I eat salads, but I actually craved one. But the thing about salads during pregnancy (well, anytime, but really during pregnancy) is that they have to be something you can really chomp on. No wimp,y limpy greens in my bowl, thankyouverymuch. And there better be some hefty fillers in there to satisfy me and the babe. Enter chewy kale coated with a creamy avocado dressing. Rounded out with sweet clementines, earthy roasted beets (finally, beets!) and nutrient-dense sunflower seeds. I don’t know where that last one came from since I can’t remember ever buying them, but somehow I knew they’d be perfect here. I found some sprouted, dehydrated ones that made me feel all, “sunflower seeds, where have you been all my life?” Totally get the sprouted, dehydrated variety if you can.

And if you’re currently pregnant and sad that you’re missing some of your favorite foods, don’t worry, they might make a comeback before you meet your lil’ one. I’m pretty psyched that mine did.

Directions:

In a small food processor or blender, combine the avocado, garlic, lemon juice, mustard, and vinegar. Process until smooth. Add 1-2 tablespoons water to reach a creamy consistency. Season to taste with freshly ground black pepper.

Place the kale in a large bowl and drizzle it with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Using clean hands, massage the oil and salt into the kale for about 2-3 minutes, until kale is wilted. Pour the avocado dressing over the kale and toss to coat.

No morning sickness so maybe you’re having a boy, at least according to that old wives’ tale… So glad you’re feeling well! I was craving salads at the end of my pregnancy too and this looks like such a lovely one!

Lucky girl! I’m 29 weeks and am having a time of it. The carb cravings, eating things I never eat, low energy …you name it. It won’t be much longer now though. (I have myself convinced it’s only 9 more weeks because both of my boys came at 38 weeks. Everyone will be laughing if I’m 42 weeks and still pregnant….)
I hit a point where I couldn’t eat salads, but luckily that has come back for me too! This one looks amazing – can’t wait to give it a try.

My pregnancy was likewise easy – no morning sickness, no fatigue – I went running the morning I was induced!

But I should warn you – I did need to be induced. I joked that the reason I had such an easy pregnancy was because my body didn’t know I was pregnant, and so didn’t realize it was supposed to be sending a baby out.

I am eternally amazed that you have been having absolutely NO problems with this pregnancy, only because I’ve heard such horror stories from others. I’m sure it’s because you live such a healthy well-balanced lifestyle. LOVING this salad and that you’re back to your normal eating ways!

We’re going to feature this on our Facebook page and link here so people can see how you made it, and your lovely photography. If you wish, come LIKE us on Facebook for more recipes and tips on super healthy greens like kale, chard, beet, mustard, turnip, collard, escarole, dandelion and other green leafies. https://www.facebook.com/Cut.n.Clean.Greens